Employment | Earth Native School

JOIN THE EARTH NATIVE COMMUNITY

At Earth Native Wilderness School, we’re always excited to connect with passionate outdoor educators and skilled naturalists who share our mission to help people build deep, lasting relationships with the natural world. Even if we’re not actively hiring, we welcome inquiries from highly qualified candidates who feel called to this work.

We’re especially interested in hearing from individuals with experience in immersive outdoor education, including wilderness survival, bushcraft, wildlife tracking, and the 8 Shields mentoring model (Coyote Mentoring). We also value educators who bring farm-based teaching experience, helping children connect with nature through hands-on care of horses, goats, pigs, ducks, and mini-donkeys, and those with extensive knowledge of Central Texas flora and fauna.

Our team members enjoy meaningful, impactful work in beautiful natural settings alongside a supportive and dedicated community of peers. Highly qualified full-time instructors at Earth Native can earn over $55,000 per year, with full benefits and five or more weeks of paid vacation annually. More importantly, they spend their days helping children and adults rediscover the wild places within and around them.

If you have the skills, heart, and spirit to inspire others in the outdoors, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out and introduce yourself; your next great adventure might begin here at Earth Native.

Are you looking for part-time work with adults? Earth Native is always looking for qualified contract adult instructors to teach various weekend adult courses. Inquire at Info@earthnativeschool.com for more information. We'd love to hear from you.

INTERESTED IN FUTURE EMPLOYMENT WITH EARTH NATIVE? CLICK HERE

Applying

Please carefully read the job description you are interested in and ensure you meet the minimum qualifications before applying.

A link to the job application is at the end of each opening description.

OPEN POSITIONS:

Farm & Forest Instructor (Aug 17 start date)
Youth Programs Instructor (Aug 17 start date)
Operations Manager
Operations Administrator

Seasonal Instructor

Our Instructors are an elite group in the education space

Seasonal Instructor

Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor (Not Hiring)

Are you passionate about the outdoors and love working with kids? Join Earth Native Wilderness School as a Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor and inspire the next generation to connect deeply with nature. This is an incredible opportunity to spend your summer outdoors, teaching children ages 4–12 and helping them develop lifelong bonds with the natural world.

Our summer camps take place at three beautiful locations

McKinney Falls State Park (Southeast Austin)
Garey Park (between Georgetown and Leander)
Earth Native Campus (Bastrop)

Select your preferred location(s) when applying.

What You’ll Do
As a Seasonal Summer Camp Instructor, you will:

Collaborate with a team of passionate educators to deliver engaging, nature-based programs.
Teach essential outdoor skills and guide kids through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and wonder.
Ensure the safety and functionality of the outdoor learning environment.
Foster a sense of adventure, teamwork, and appreciation for nature among campers.

Who You Are
We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and organized individuals who:

Have at least two years of experience teaching or working with youth, preferably in an outdoor setting.
Are passionate about nature and enjoy sharing that love with children.
Possess knowledge in areas like naturalist studies, wildlife tracking, navigation, and Central Texas ecology.
Are creative, responsible, and capable of working independently or as part of a small team.
Hold current CPR and First Aid certifications (required before starting).

What We Offer

Pay: $18.50–$22/hour (DOE).
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) during camp weeks, typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM (hours may vary).
Potential for Growth: High-performing seasonal instructors may have the opportunity to transition into year-round, full-time teaching roles with Earth Native.

Schedule

Our camps run M-F from May 26 through August 14, with two weeks off (June 29-July 3 & July 6-10)
Training week for all new hires is from May 11-15
Camp prep and planning will run from May 18-22 (Seasonal staff should expect to work 2-3 days this week)

Why Join Us?

Spend some time outside at one of our stunning camp locations, empowering kids to build confidence, resilience, and a love for the outdoors. You’ll be part of a dynamic team of educators dedicated to making a meaningful impact on young lives.

How to Apply

Click here for online application

Animals in our education program are great teachers

Farm & Forest

Farm & Forest Instructor (Hiring for Aug 17th start!)

Do you dream of working outdoors, sharing your love for nature and animals, and inspiring the next generation to connect deeply with the world around them? At Earth Native Wilderness School, we’re seeking a passionate, skilled, and nature-loving Farm & Forest Instructor to lead our innovative Farm & Forest programs at our Bastrop campus.

This unique position combines outdoor education, animal care, and hands-on homesteading projects, offering you the opportunity to guide children as they bond with animals, explore the natural world, and develop valuable practical skills. If you’re excited about fostering meaningful connections to the land and mentoring young adventurers, this job is for you!

What You’ll Do
As a Farm & Forest Instructor, you will:

Lead engaging, hands-on programs that immerse children (ages 5–12) in farm life, animal care, and outdoor exploration.
Facilitate meaningful connections between children and animals like horses, goats, miniature donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs, and more.
Teach farm and homesteading skills, such as tool use, food preservation, and creative homesteading projects.
Guide nature exploration activities, including animal tracking, plant identification, and outdoor skills.
Provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring outdoor learning environment where kids can thrive.
Collaborate with a team of instructors to develop innovative and cohesive program experiences.
Build strong relationships with families by sharing updates and student progress.

What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:

Experienced: At least two years of teaching experience in outdoor education, farm-based programs, or a related field.
Animal-Savvy: Comfortable working with and teaching about a variety of farm animals.
Knowledgeable: Skilled in areas including naturalist knowledge, farm and homesteading techniques, outdoor skills, and Central Texas ecology.
Enthusiastic: Passionate about working with children and creating meaningful outdoor experiences.
Organized: Able to work independently and as part of a small teaching team with minimal oversight.
Certified: CPR and First Aid certified (required before starting).

Bonus Points For:

Background in farming, homesteading, gardening, permaculture, and care of farm animals.
Experience with mentoring programs like Art of Mentoring, Coyote Mentoring, or Kamana Naturalist Training Program.
Experience in environmental education, forest schools, or farm-based education settings.

What We Offer
We believe in supporting our team with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including:

Compensation: $19–$24/hour, based on experience (DOE).
Paid Vacation: 5 weeks annually (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer). Two additional weeks of unpaid vacation are available to those who wish to use them.
Health Benefits: ACA Gold and Silver plan options are available.
Additional Perks:
- Retirement plan with employer contributions (SIMPLE IRA).
- Paid Maternity/Paternity leave.
- Paid job-related injury/illness coverage.
- Free or discounted Earth Native adult courses and trainings.
- Discounted youth programs for dependent children.

Schedule
During the school year (Sept-May), Farm and Forest staff will work at the Earth Native Campus in Bastrop, TX, Tuesday-Saturday. During the summer (June-Aug), staff will work summer camps at either the school’s Bastrop Campus or McKinney Falls State Park (Southeast Austin), Monday-Friday. This is a full-time, year-round position averaging 40 hours per week.

This position will begin on August 17, 2026.

Why This Role Is Special
As a Farm & Forest Instructor, you’ll inspire children to build lifelong connections to nature and develop practical skills that empower them. From raising baby chicks to exploring the woods and making homemade pickles, you’ll create magical, hands-on learning experiences that children will carry with them forever. This role is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors, thrives on adventure, and wants to make a lasting impact in the lives of children.

How to Apply

Click here for online application

Teen Summer Camp

Teen Assistant Instructor - Summer 2026 (Not Hiring)

Are you ready to spend your summer outdoors, making an impact, and gaining valuable skills? Join us as an Assistant Instructor at Earth Native Wilderness School! This paid position is designed for responsible, motivated, and nature-loving teens who want to build leadership skills, grow their confidence, and have fun while contributing to our mission of connecting children with the natural world.

As an Assistant Instructor, you’ll work closely alongside experienced Earth Native Instructors at McKinney Falls State Park. You’ll gain firsthand experience in planning, prepping, and delivering engaging environmental education programs for children. Along the way, you’ll be trained in Earth Native’s “Invisible School” mentoring style—an approach that fosters creativity, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.

This opportunity isn’t just about summer—it’s about growing your skills, building your resume, and becoming part of a community passionate about nature and learning.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking highly motivated, responsible teens who are:

Passionate about nature and outdoor education.
Excited to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
Current or former students in Earth Native’s Weekly or Monthly Programs.
Ready to bring a high level of responsibility, professionalism, and energy to their role.

Qualifications:

Must be 14–18 years old by June 1, 2026.
Able to commit to working a minimum of six weeks (Monday–Friday, 7am-4pm) during Earth Native’s day camps this summer.
Available to attend one mandatory training day (May 16, 2026).
A recommendation from a current Earth Native instructor is required.

Applicants who want even more experience are welcome to work beyond six weeks!

Your Role

As an Assistant Instructor, your responsibilities will include:

Assisting Earth Native staff with day-to-day camp operations and activities.
Helping facilitate and lead camp activities, including lessons, games, stories, and group circles.
Preparing materials and assisting with lesson planning.
Ensuring a safe and functional outdoor learning environment for campers.
Participating in daily camp planning and feedback meetings.
Supporting after-hours camper activities, as needed.

Assistant Instructors will report to the Camp Director and will be a vital part of our summer camp team.

What You’ll Gain

Leadership & Professional Skills: Build decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and professionalism.
Training and Experience: Learn from Earth Native Instructors and Directors with direct feedback and guidance.
Resume Building: Add a paid position and letters of recommendation (avail upon request) to future job or college applications.
Work Ethic Development: Grow your confidence and sense of responsibility through real-world experience.
Fun & Connection: Enjoy a summer full of adventure, community, and the outdoors!

Compensation

Assistant Instructors will receive a stipend of $200 per week of camp.

How to Apply

Click here for online application

Operations Manager

every advantage is gained through persepctive

Operations Manager (Hiring!)

Central Texas | Full-Time, Salaried

Earth Native Wilderness School is seeking a highly capable Operations Manager to help oversee the day-to-day business, program, enrollment, marketing, and administrative operations of our outdoor and environmental education organization.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a small-team environment, enjoys wearing many hats, and is energized by building systems, supporting people, strengthening enrollment, and helping mission-driven work run smoothly and sustainably.

The Operations Manager reports to the Executive Director and Operations Director and works closely with the leadership team to provide big-picture oversight while also staying closely connected to staff, families, and operational details.

This position plays a key role in both operational excellence and organizational development. The Operations Manager helps ensure Earth Native's programs run smoothly while also supporting enrollment, marketing, outreach, and long-term organizational sustainability.

Position Overview

Earth Native has a small administrative team and does not operate with many narrowly defined specialist roles. This position requires a flexible, capable generalist who can move between operations, people management, marketing support, enrollment support, organizational projects, and problem-solving with confidence and professionalism.

This is a broad operational leadership role within a small organization. The successful candidate will oversee and support functions that in larger organizations are often divided among operations, enrollment, HR, marketing, and administrative departments.

The ideal candidate is organized, calm under pressure, creative, and comfortable navigating a wide range of responsibilities, priorities, and conversations.

Success in this role requires strong initiative, good judgment, and the ability to independently identify problems, develop solutions, and follow through without extensive oversight.

Earth Native is a growing organization where administrative team members regularly contribute outside narrowly defined job descriptions. While this position provides strategic oversight, it also requires a willingness to engage directly with operational details and help wherever needed.

Key Responsibilities

Operations and Program Management

Oversee day-to-day business operations and help streamline systems and workflows
Provide big-picture logistical oversight of youth and adult programs across multiple seasons and locations
Coordinate program scheduling and operational logistics
Manage and update the registration system, including building and maintaining backend program registrations
Oversee an Operations Administrator and support their workflow and priorities

Marketing, Outreach, and Communications

Support marketing efforts for youth and adult programs
Take an active role in helping Earth Native maintain healthy enrollments through marketing, outreach, customer communication, and continuous improvement of enrollment systems
Manage or coordinate social media and customer-facing communications
Assist with outreach, events, and printed materials
Create or coordinate visually appealing, clear, and effective communications using available tools
Help maintain and expand marketing reach, website SEO, and digital visibility
Write copy for the Earth Native website when needed

Enrollment and Revenue Support

Track program budgets, monitor expenses, and help ensure program financial sustainability
Support strong enrollments and operational efficiency across programs
Work with leadership to support revenue goals through effective systems, communication, and marketing efforts

Staff Management and HR Support

Help oversee hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and support for approximately 17 to 25 youth and adult instructors
Coordinate staff schedules, substitutes, and assignments with a big-picture perspective
Process staff timesheets and support payroll-related workflows
Assist with HR-related responsibilities connected to hiring and staffing

Family, Client, and Partner Communication

Engage with families, participants, and partner organizations via email, phone, and in person
Provide clear, timely, and professional customer service
Demonstrate ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate boundaries
Maintain positive relationships with partner organizations, permitting agencies, and licensing bodies

Compliance and Field Support

Manage permits, licensing, and other compliance-related tasks
Occasionally step in to support programs in the field when needed

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of 4 years in a management or leadership position
Marketing experience relevant to a small, mission-driven organization, such as:
- Social media management
- Google Ads or digital advertising
- Customer-facing communications
Strong alignment with Earth Native’s mission and values around environmental and nature-based education
Highly organized, proactive, and very self-directed
Excellent people and personnel management skills
Very strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate boundaries
Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines simultaneously
Comfort using computer systems, online tools, and learning new platforms. Experience with Mac and Apple platforms preferred
Calm, clear-headed problem solver with a flexible mindset
Willingness to work some weekends and a variable, seasonal schedule

Preferred Qualifications

Background or experience in outdoor education, environmental education, or related fields
Familiarity with topics taught at Earth Native, such as wilderness skills, naturalist studies, tracking, or nature connection
Experience working in a small administrative team
Experience managing multi-program or seasonal operations

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

Paid Time Off

5 weeks annually:
- 1 week Thanksgiving
- 2 weeks Winter Break
- 1 week Spring Break
- 1 week mid-summer

Additional Benefits

Health Insurance with ACA Gold and Silver plan options
Paid sick leave and job-related injury or illness leave
Paid maternity and paternity leave
SIMPLE IRA with 3 percent employer match
Free or discounted Earth Native adult courses
Discounts for dependent children enrolled in youth programs

Who This Role is a Good Fit For

This role is well-suited for someone who:

Enjoys variety and responsibility rather than narrow specialization
Is confident, grounded, and comfortable handling complex logistics and conversations
Wants meaningful work in a mission-driven organization
Thrives in a small team where initiative and adaptability matter
Enjoys building systems, improving organizations, and helping programs thrive
Wants the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future success of a growing organization

Earth Native is entering an exciting stage of organizational development. We are seeking someone who wants to help shape the future of the organization, improve systems, strengthen enrollment, and help build the organizational infrastructure that supports exceptional nature-based education at Earth Native for years to come. This position offers significant opportunity for influence, initiative, and professional growth.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Animals provide some our best team mates turtles and tortise

Admin

Click Here to Apply

Operations Administrator (Hiring!)

Bastrop, Texas | Full-Time, Salaried

Earth Native Wilderness School is seeking an organized, responsible, and motivated Operations Administrator to join our administrative team and help support our youth and adult programs.

Earth Native is a mission-driven organization that helps youth and adults develop deep, lifelong relationships with the natural world through wilderness skills, naturalist studies, outdoor education, and nature connection.

The Operations Administrator plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the organization. This position works closely with the Operations Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director, Program Supervisors, and Instructors to help ensure programs run smoothly and families, staff, and partners receive excellent support.

This position is based at Earth Native's Bastrop Campus.

Position Overview

Earth Native has a small administrative team and does not operate with narrowly defined specialist roles. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, is highly organized, takes initiative, and enjoys helping people while managing many moving pieces.

The Operations Administrator serves as a central point of communication and coordination for the organization. Responsibilities range from registration support, program logistics, scheduling, administrative projects, and maintaining organizational systems to occasionally answering phone calls and assisting families, students, and community members.

This is not simply a customer service or receptionist role. The Operations Administrator serves as a key member of Earth Native's administrative team and plays an important role in keeping programs, staff, families, and organizational systems running smoothly.

Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and good judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Operations

Support the day-to-day operations of Earth Native Wilderness School
Manage complex administrative work requiring organization, multitasking, and independent judgment
Maintain records, documents, and organizational systems
Assist with administrative projects and operational improvements
Help maintain the organization's Google Workspace and related systems

Customer Service and Communication

Respond to emails and occasional phone calls from families, students, and community members
Answer questions and provide clear, friendly, and professional customer service
Route communications to appropriate staff members when needed
Help maintain positive relationships with families, students, and organizational partners

Program and Registration Support

Help manage the school's online registration system
Build and maintain program registrations and backend enrollment information
Assist with program scheduling and calendar management
Support instructors and program supervisors through behind-the-scenes logistical coordination
Help ensure instructors and programs have the information and resources they need to operate successfully

Scheduling and Organizational Support

Schedule appointments and maintain leadership calendars
Help manage the organization's master program calendar
Assist with internal coordination between administrative staff, instructors, and program leaders
Support organizational planning and seasonal program preparation

Compliance and Partner Relations

Help maintain permits, licensing requirements, and compliance-related records
Communicate professionally with governmental agencies, partner organizations, and community partners
Support administrative tasks related to organizational compliance and operations

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
Minimum of 2 years of administrative support or office management experience
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Professional, friendly, and customer-service-oriented demeanor
Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a collaborative team
Comfort learning and using online systems, databases, and software platforms
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a wide variety of people
Experience with Mac and Apple operating systems

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in education, outdoor education, nonprofit organizations, or youth programs
Experience with Google Workspace
Experience with registration software, databases, or CRM systems
Experience with social media platforms and basic communications support
Experience with QuickBooks or bookkeeping systems
Interest in environmental education, outdoor learning, or nature connection
Experience or interest in basic farm animal care (we know this is a bit of an oddball, but our campus has farm animals and we all chip in to help care for them when program instructors are not available)

Compensation and Benefits

Salary $42,500-$50,000 DOE

Paid Time Off

5 weeks annually:
- 1 week Thanksgiving
- 2 weeks Winter Break
- 1 week Spring Break
- 1 flexible week (only available during certain months)

Additional Benefits

Health Insurance with ACA Gold and Silver plan options
Paid sick leave and job-related injury or illness leave
Paid maternity and paternity leave
SIMPLE IRA with employer match
Free or discounted Earth Native adult courses
Discounts for dependent children enrolled in youth programs

Who This Role is a Good Fit For

This role is well-suited for someone who:

Enjoys organization, logistics, and helping things run smoothly
Is dependable, detail-oriented, and highly organized
Enjoys helping families, students, and staff
Communicates clearly and professionally
Thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
Enjoys meaningful work that supports outdoor and environmental education
Takes pride in creating systems, solving problems, and supporting a team

This position offers the opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping Earth Native deliver exceptional outdoor education programs while supporting a mission that positively impacts children, adults, families, and communities.

How to Apply

Director of Programs (Not Hiring)

Organization Overview

At Earth Native Wilderness School, we believe that deep, lasting connection to the natural world changes lives. Founded in 2011 in Austin, TX, our school inspires students of all ages to reawaken their innate curiosity, expand their self-reliance, and discover their place in the wild. We offer hands-on, meaningful experiences that empower people to thrive in nature and life.

Our programs include everything from wilderness survival and ancestral living skills to wildlife tracking, ecological awareness, plant medicine, and rites of passage. Whether we’re mentoring preschoolers in the forest or guiding adults through immersive weekends of skill-building, our goal is the same: to build resilient, capable, and nature-connected humans.

Position Summary: Program Director

Are you an experienced leader passionate about outdoor education and ready to help shape the next generation of nature-connected youth and adults?

We’re looking for an organized, motivated, and inspiring Program Director to oversee our year-round environmental education programs and support our incredible instructional team. With over 2,500 students attending Earth Native courses each year and 300+ days of youth programming annually, this role is central to our mission and impact.

You’ll work both from our administrative office near Bastrop and in the field at our program locations in Bastrop, Austin, Georgetown, and Dripping Springs. Some work-from-home flexibility is available after onboarding. This role is dynamic and self-directed.